My start of my Crazy Sexy Diet

I know the title of this post sounds crazy, at least for me but I also took a picture of the book so that you don't think I am crazy. I am putting this year, 2012, as the year I start taking better care of myself and begin by eating better. The woman that wrote this book,Kris Carr was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She took control of her life and the fight to stay healthy.She has written several books and has a website and a following of wellness warriors. You can read more about her at  crazysexydiet.com .

One of her mainstays besides a vegan diet is her green juicing. So here is the juicer that I purchased to try to get myself on the road to health. Several wise guys in my household have called it my new kitchen decoration as I also have a beautiful cappuccino machine that is more of a kitchen decoration than has been used. But we shall see.

I am starting a 21 day cleanse meaning no alcohol- no coffee- no gluten- no sugar - meat or dairy products. This will be a challenge but I will get through this. So this is day one and I made a green juice this morning with one green apple, cucumber and 2 stalks of celery. Yum and abit frothy but not bad for a  first try.  

Join the bath challenge!

I saw this picture on Pin-Interest and had to share it. I have always dreamed of having a clawfoot tub in my bathroom and hopefully one day that will happen or a garden tub. But a tub big enough to spread out and relax and not have my knees under my chin so much.  :o) So I am dreaming of this tub !  But I do have lots of candles and music and take that time when people are out of the house to grab the tub while all is quiet for some very important me time!
What sorts of baths do you have and what is your bathtime like?
I would love to have some feedback and hear what you all have to say with a picture of your bath and one that you love.  I am getting excited about this.
How about a challenge for the best bath story and we can start it next Monday 1/23 and end it 2/6. The winner will receive a jar of Lavender Bath Soaking Salts and a bar of Lavender Soap. Are you game ?

Creating Sacred Space

Start by running your bath water and putting on some meditative music. Light some candles, focusing on creating a sacred space for your bath. Sacred in that you are holding a space for you to celebrate your Self. Next place a totem next to your candles- a shell, stone, picture or whatever item means peace to you and your heart.
Pour some bath salts or bath oils into the filled tub and swirl the water with your hand to disperse. Settle yourself into the fragrant water- close your eyes & calm your thoughts. Slowly take three cleansing breathes inhaling through your nose deeply & exhaling out through your mouth and relax....

Be aware of your breathing in & out and relax. Smell the fragrance of the water and relax...

Wet your soap & inhale its fragrance and let your mind drift over things that have been crowding your thoughts- things that you want to let go of. Imagine that as you soap up your cloth that you are gathering the energies together to rid yourself of these negative thoughs. As you wash your body,know you are cleansing your body of all negativity and are purifying it. Relax in this new space you have created.

When you are ready, release the drain to let the water out, know that your cares and worries are also being released and carried away leaving you refreshed and renewed.

It is already October and I am not yet ready for Fall!

Fall came on September 21st and here it is October 3. The foliage has already started to morph into its autumn stage and getting ready to start that winter hibernation. I am sure that the squirrels and chipmunks are storing their nuts away for the cold days ahead. I know you say do we really haev that sort of winter in North Carolina but last year we did get cold and snow for Christmas and I was very much reminded of New York Winters!
Fall is a time for turning inward and storing away tidbits and ideas to condsider for the winters days when you stay home more and inside. Wherever you are its a time to slow down abit more as the nights grow longer and days grow shorter. What things are you going to put away to keep you through the winter ? What ideas do you want to hatch and grow next year as the days get warmer and longer. What do you want to manifest in the coming of 2012?

Have you ever thought about the mystery of water?

I have watched the movie " What the Bleep Do We Know?" and the segment on the mystery of water has always fascinated me. Part of why I named my business Ritual Waters is because I have always believed in the healing power of water - it nourishes our bodies as well as makes up 90% of our composition. We need that space to relax our mind and feed ourselves with good thoughts to feed our souls!

Being Creative

I took my own advice today and took a long, quiet bath. I was pondering how things have been sort of so so lately. Here is Spring just around the corner and I am in my doldrums. I am really needing to get some creative juices flowing and now seems the time for things to start bursting forth.

I pulled out my copy of Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way which seems a perfect place to start. I have read it on and off over the  past year's and it always starts me down the right path.

Check it out if you have not heard of it as it will inspire you. One of the great suggestions is Morning Pages. Upon waking you write 3 pages every morning. Writing whatever comes to mind. A way to dump out whatever trash is ruminating in your mind and to clear yourself to allow new things to come in. Always a great way to start the day!

Bathing Rituals

The art of bathing has been passed down through the centuries. Most of us have heard of the public baths built in Rome or the bathing rituals of the Japanese. The Ganges River in India is also a site for public bathing, more a place to cleanse and purify the soul as than just cleansing the body.

Soaking in a tub of warm water with candles and the scent of essential oils can literally take one away to another place where you can relax and feel energized and restored in mind and spirit. This is definitely a comfort place that soothes the soul.
This is a Ritual for the Soul and a sacred place for your spirit.

What places and rituals soothe your spirit as you recover from life's daily stresses?